Little Falls Council approves $600,000 Small Cities grant application for First Street NE sewer work

The Little Falls City Council on March 16 approved Resolution 2026-22 authorizing staff to submit a Small Cities Development Program application seeking $600,000 toward sanitary sewer collection replacement on First Street Northeast.

Greg, a city staff member presenting the item, said the full project is currently estimated at $7,883,962 and that the application covers the sanitary sewer portion of the work from Broadway north to the railroad tracks in front of city hall. He said the city submitted a preliminary proposal in November 2025 and was invited to complete a full application, which he characterized as "a good sign." He told the council construction is tentatively targeted for 2027 and noted that, because the funding is federal CDBG money administered by Minnesota DEED, the city would need to complete an environmental review and check for historic properties along the corridor.

There was no public comment during the hearing. Mayor Zilka moved to adopt Resolution 2026-22 and Council Member Lundberg seconded. The clerk called the roll; the motion passed on a unanimous voice/roll call as recorded by staff.

The decision advances the city's efforts to assemble a funding package that staff said will include several other grant sources. If selected for Small Cities funding, the city will proceed with the required environmental review and follow any mitigation or historic-preservation measures that review identifies.

Next steps as stated by staff: submit the full application to Minnesota DEED, pursue the other funding options identified by consultants, and complete the environmental review process if the grant is awarded.